Nintendo presented the Nintendo Switch last night and provided information about the price, release, and hardware of the console. Here is an overview.
Nintendo introduced the Nintendo Switch during a live stream yesterday. This is a hybrid console and the seventh major console from Nintendo. Some information about the hardware – but not all – has been revealed.
Release Date and German Price of the Nintendo Switch
- Date: The Nintendo Switch will be released worldwide on March 3, 2017.
- Price: The Nintendo Switch will cost 329.99 Euros in Germany. (CURRENTLY SOLD OUT!) You can order the Nintendo Switch on Amazon here.
Nintendo Switch – Features of the Console
The Switch is a console hybrid. You will be able to carry it like a Nintendo DS, but also use it like a home console with the Switch dock on the TV.
The package includes the console with screen, two Joy-Controllers, the holder for the controllers, a docking station, a power adapter for charging via USB-C, and an HDMI cable.
The console is available in versions with gray Joy-Con controllers or with red-blue coloring.
It is possible to remove the Switch from the docking station at any time while the game continues to run in handheld mode.
The effect can be well observed in this “Nintendo Switch” trailer. Here, players are shown casually “switching” between games on the TV and handheld.
Nintendo Switch – Hardware
Here you can find an overview of the hardware of the Nintendo Switch with the technical details.
The Screen
In handheld mode, you have a screen (6.2 inches) with a video quality of 720p. Additionally, the handheld Switch has a touchscreen.
The resolution at the dock is Full-HD (1,920 x 1,080).
Battery Life
The Switch is said to have a battery life of up to 6 hours, but may vary depending on software and usage conditions. “Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild” is reportedly playable for 3 hours according to Nintendo. You can charge the handheld Switch while playing with an existing AC adapter.
Storage Capacity
The Nintendo Switch will have a storage capacity of 32GB (internal storage) and can be expanded with a MicroSDXC card.
The Controllers – Prices
The Nintendo Switch comes with detachable Joy-Controllers. Additionally, there is the Pro Controller. The small Joy-Controllers can be removed from the side of the handheld.
- Pro Controller: 69.99 Dollars
- (Two-Set) Joy-Con: 79.99 Dollars
- (Single) Joy-Con: 49.99 Dollars
The European prices are not yet known.
The Joy-Con in Detail
The right Joy-Con has an AR camera and an NFC reader/writer that can read Amiibo data. The left Joy-Con has a capture button, comparable to the share button of the PS4. With it, you can take screenshots and videos. Both Joy-Cons have a vibrating function, the HD Rumble.
More Technical Details of the Nintendo Switch
• Handheld Connections: USB Type C (for charging), Headphones (jack)
• Dock: 5.1 Surround Sound
• Region Lock: none
• Local Multiplayer: Up to 8 systems
• Wi-Fi: 802.11AC
Mario Kart and Co – These Games are Available for the Nintendo Switch
The major release title for the Nintendo Switch will be “Legend of Zelda – Breath of the Wild” and will be released alongside the console on March 3. But other Nintendo classics like Mario Kart and the popular online game Splatoon are also on the list. These are the currently known 13 exclusive games for the Nintendo Switch.
- Legend of Zelda – Breath of the Wild
- Arms
- BlazBlue
- Fire Emblem Warriors
- 1, 2 Switch
- Seasons of Heaven
- Snipperclips
- Super Bomberman R
- Super Mario Odyssey
- Ultra Street Fighter II: The Final Challengers
- Xenoblade Chronicles 2
- Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
As an MMO site, we ask ourselves: Are MMOs feasible and sensible on the Nintendo Switch?
